I recently removed some old cabinets from a small area off my kitchen, and I found that the previous work involved cutting out tile and installing it over linoleum. It seems like they nailed cement board down over those old floors. I'm planning to lay down new tile and want to make sure it's level. What's the best way to secure new cement board in this situation? Should I use nails with glue, or would thinset be the better choice?
1 Answer
First things first, make sure you can find matching tiles or at least something that complements the existing ones. You might want to consider contrasting tiles if matching is a hassle. To prep the area, use a saw with a masonry bit to take out any old cut tiles down to the linoleum. Then, cut your cement board to size. Apply a thin layer of thinset, and screw down the cement board using the right screws—1.5 inch backer screws work great. Remember to leave a half-inch gap between the edge of the board and the wall or cabinets for expansion. This prep will help you set your tiles evenly later. Also, don’t forget to mix thinset properly and spread it on both the board and tile before setting them in place! After everything's laid down, let it cure properly before removing spacers and moving on to grouting! Good luck!
Thanks for the detailed tips! I already prepped my area by making a square out of the tiles. I'm holding off on a full remodel for now, especially with the asbestos. I'll definitely stick with thinset and screws for this project!